Nova Scotians have a deep commitment to military service that we are extremely proud of. Generations of Nova Scotians have answered the call to serve on land, at sea and in the sky, supported by their community, family and friends.

Nova Scotia is Canada's capital of defence. We have a robust defence ecosystem with well-established maritime defence industries, secure infrastructure and unique defence innovation hubs. Our strategic location, proven defence infrastructure and active service members ensure rapid response and create a strong foundation for growth.

A strategic east coast gateway

Nova Scotia's geographic position and digital infrastructure provide a major strategic advantage for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB). The province is home to the EXA Express transatlantic subsea fibre cable, Canada's only direct, express digital link to Europe.

Our province connects Canada to the world – with the closest major airports to Europe and the U.S., and Canada's only express digital link to Europe. Nova Scotia is home to the only U.S. preclearance facility in Atlantic Canada and 24/7 Canada Customs services – plus NEXUS and CANPASS programs for frequent travellers. Halifax Stanfield International Airport is rapidly becoming one of North America's most internationally connected hubs. In recent years, multiple carriers have introduced or expanded non‑stop service from Halifax to key markets across Europe and the United States, strengthening Nova Scotia's role as a transatlantic gateway.

A thriving defence ecosystem

Nova Scotia is best positioned to build solutions for the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our province has the military assets, a robust research and development hub, innovative technologies and leading companies to put Canada on the cutting edge of defence.

Nova Scotia defence assets map (86KB PDF)

Our people

Behind every mission and milestone are the Nova Scotians who serve – and the families and communities who stand with them. Their dedication is at the heart of everything we do.

By the numbers

Nova Scotia is a leader in naval defence, advanced shipbuilding, sonar and sensing, cybersecurity, and training and simulation.

• Nova Scotia is home to the largest formation of the Canadian Navy, anchored by the country's largest naval base, Canadian Forces Base Halifax (CFB Halifax) and the Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters (MARLANT), supporting 18 ships and submarines.
• Canada's Navy is investing in 15 River-Class Destroyer ships, to be built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Aerospace and defence firms in Nova Scotia generate close to CAD $2.6 billion in real GDP and employ 17,000+ people
• Nova Scotia has over 13,000 military personnel in the province
• Chosen by NATO for its DIANA headquarters and accelerator at COVE
• More than 130+ aerospace and defence companies call the province home
• 6 out of Canada's top 10 defence companies are in Nova Scotia
• Invest Nova Scotia's venture capital team supports the industry to scale up to meet future needs
• Nova Scotia has a thriving innovation ecosystem with more than 300 entrepreneurial science and technology start-ups, plus several major universities and research centres
• Nova Scotia is North America's closest air link to Europe and has Canada's only direct express digital link to Europe with the EXA Express transatlantic subsea fibre cable

Innovative expertise

NATO-aligned hub for defence innovation

Nova Scotia is a recognized hub for defence innovation and strategic partnership with NATO, making it an exceptional location for organizations operating at the intersection of security, technology and resilience. The region's longstanding role in supporting allied maritime and defence operations has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem where government, industry and academic institutions collaborate on cutting-edge solutions for modern defence challenges.

Nova Scotia's defence technology cluster includes advanced research in autonomous systems, maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity and sensor technologies, areas of direct relevance to NATO's operational priorities. The decision by NATO to establish a key presence and innovation activities in Halifax further validates the province's strategic value, reinforcing Nova Scotia as a centre where allied defence innovation is not only developed but actively deployed.

Underwater vehicles and underwater sensors

Nova Scotia's defence technology cluster includes advanced research in autonomous systems, maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity and sensor technologies, and areas of direct relevance to NATO's operational priorities. The decision by NATO to establish a key presence and innovation activities in Halifax further validates the province's strategic value, reinforcing Nova Scotia as a centre where allied defence innovation is not only developed but actively deployed.

Training and simulation

Nova Scotia hosts world-leading training and simulation companies. The province is equipped to support integrated training solutions including: training needs analysis, instructional design, content development, integrated learning environments and training simulation products.

Related information

• Invest Nova Scotia Aerospace and Defence